Connolly condemns deepfake video which suggests she has quit presidential race

A candidate in the Irish presidential election has condemned a “malicious deepfake video” that incorrectly announced she had withdrawn from the race.

Catherine Connolly, who said on Wednesday she is “absolutely still a candidate”, called on social media companies to swiftly remove fake election content.

In the video, designed to mimic an RTE News broadcast, a fake clip of Ms Connolly announcing she was withdrawing from the candidacy is played before altered footage of a reporter stating that the election is cancelled and her opponent Heather Humphreys would be appointed automatically.

The claims are false and the election will take place as planned on Friday with all nominated candidates remaining on the ballot paper.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ms Connolly said: “The video is a fabrication. It is a disgraceful attempt to mislead voters and undermine our democracy.

“I will not be distracted. I will continue my campaign in every county, meeting people and making the case for a hopeful, inclusive presidency.”

Her campaign has already reported the video to the social media platforms where it appeared, requesting its immediate removal and “clear labelling as fake”.

A formal complaint has been lodged with the Electoral Commission.

Ms Connolly said disinformation has no place in Irish public life and urged members of the public to verify content before sharing.

“If you see this video, do not share it – report it. The surest reply to lies is to vote.”

Her campaign said social media platforms should apply clear labels to AI-generated media, and to fully co-operate with the relevant authorities by preserving metadata and assisting investigations to identify those responsible for producing and distributing the false material.